It’s the climb…

How many times have you heard “Needs Analysis”? I used to hear it daily, as this was always on my sales manager’s mind when it came to meeting with any prospect. I used to have a laundry list of questions, 9 times out of 10, supplied to me. “These will help get you closer to closing the deal,” said the sales manager. Meanwhile, my eyes were rolling so hard you would have thought I was dead.

Your prospects time is limited. If you’re able to get in front of them (in person, video chat, phone, whatever) don’t waste your time going through a laundry list of questions that makes it seem like an interrogation. Hit ’em with the Force Field Analysis, and maybe just maybe they’ll give you a hug.

Within minutes you’ll put the focus on your prospects business and you will immediately uncover their pain points. It’s the fastest Survey Monkey survey ever. At the very least, you’ll position yourself as a sales person who’s different and an ally for your prospect rather than a nuisance. 

This is also a great way to qualify your prospect. Maybe what their business really needs is something you can’t offer them. This gives you the chance to part ways amicably. This could also open the door for you to refer them to someone you know who can help them.

Best case scenario – it opens the door for you to help them out and get closer to signing the deal.

Action step: Test out the Force Field Analysis on yourself. 
Take a piece of paper, and draw a horizontal line. Mark it as “Day 1.” Then draw three arrows going up from that line, and draw another line. Label it “Today.” Then ask yourself, “What are three things that took you from Day 1 to where you are today?”

Then draw another horizontal line above the “Today” line, and label it “Next Level.” Draw three arrows down from this line, then ask yourself, “What are three things preventing me from getting to the next level?”

This will clear your mind, and allow you to focus in on what’s really important. Then circle one of those items you wrote down that’s preventing you from getting to the next level and devote your time to it. Maybe it’s investing in yourself, which you’ve already done by doing the Force Field Analysis. The Force Field Analysis may not be the right thing for you, but I’ve found it to work time, and time again for my clients and myself. I’ve even done it on the back of a golf scorecard and on a napkin at a pancake breakfast. You can damn near do it anywhere, which makes it an excellent tool for your sales toolkit.

If you need more direction on this or if you’re stuck trying to analyze yourself – shoot me an email at effumarketing@gmail.com. Or leave a comment below. I read every message, and I’d be happy to help, as long as you aren’t an asshole.

Love you,

Jordan ‘The Guy with the Bow Tie’ Rycroft

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